“She is unable to even comb her hair doctor” acclaimed a 60 years old man about his wife. When the case was taken we analysed that she was a known diabetic since 10 years. Her right shoulder was restricted from all movement due to severe pain. She had lost her sleeps since the time she started this pain. Had tried with all local pain killer ointments, physiotherapy but with little or temporary relief. She was frustrated with the pain and was deliberate seeking help …… After going through the complaints it was diagnosed as frozen shoulder. What’s this frozen shoulder ??????

What is it?

Frozen shoulder is stiffness, pain, and limited range of movement in your shoulder . It may happen after an injury or overuse or from a disease such as diabetes or a stroke. It typically affects only one shoulder, but one in five cases affect both.Frozen shoulder is thought to cause the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder, which makes the shoulder joint's capsule thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Therefore, movement may be stiff and even painful.

Causes

The cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood and in some cases is unidentifiable. However, most people with frozen shoulder have suffered from immobility as a result of a recent injury or fracture. The condition is common in people with diabetes.

 Age - being over 40 years of age. Gender - 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women. Recent surgery or arm fracture - immobility of recovery may cause the shoulder capsule to stiffen. Diabetes - two to four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder for unknown reasons; symptoms may be more severe.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of a frozen shoulder include pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion of the shoulder. The shoulder can develop increased pain with use. These symptoms can make sleep very uncomfortable. Lacks of movement leads to stiffness and then even less motion. Over time, you become unable to do movements such as reaching over your head or behind you.

There are three stages of frozen shoulder:

 Painful stage - the shoulder becomes stiff and then very painful with movement. Movement becomes limited. Pain typically worsens at night. Frozen/adhesive stage - the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, severely limiting range of motion. Pain may not diminish, but it does not usually worsen. Thawing stage - movement in the shoulder begins to improve. Pain may fade, but occasionally recur.

Diagnosis

Doctors will most likely diagnose frozen shoulder based on signs and symptoms and a physical exam;

Structural problems can only be identified with the help of imaging tests, such as an X - ray or MRI.

Treatment options

The aim of treatment for frozen shoulder is to alleviate pain and preserve mobility and flexibility in the shoulder.

 Exercise - frequent, gentle exercise can prevent and even reverse stiffness in the shoulder. Hot or cold compression packs - help to reduce pain and swelling. It is often helpful to alternate between the two. Physiotherapy - can teach you exercises to maintain as much mobility and flexibility as possible without straining the shoulder or causing too much pain.

Preventing

Frozen shoulder can only be prevented if it is caused by an injury that makes shoulder movement difficult, in which case the patient should talk to a doctor about what exercises can maintain mobility and flexibility of the shoulder joint.

Homoeopathic treatment

Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc. A miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility) is also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions.

Self tips:

• Prevention of a frozen shoulder involves avoiding injury or reinjury to the shoulder. • Keep moving• Gently massage the affected side• Use heat• Be aware of posture.• Sleep with two pillows; keep one pillow for your head other between elbow and your body of the affected side, so that your arm is held slightly away from your body.